Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Russian Foreign Ministry: Moscow has lodged a protest with Israeli authorities over the attack on a vehicle belonging to the Representative office of the Russian Federation to Palestinian National Authority
Lebanese Ministry of Health: One person was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a car in the town of Brital, Baalbek
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone launched three missiles on the Baalbek-Rayak international road in eastern Lebanon
Salam: The army has been tasked with developing a plan for "state weapons monopoly" by the end of this year and presenting it to the ministerial council before the 31st of this month
Salam: Discussion of the US document paper will be pursued in a government session next Thursday
Salam: We affirm Lebanon's right to self-defense in the event of any aggression.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a statement after the government session that discussed the "state weapons monopoly" clause: Based on the ministerial statement, the Lebanese state is committed to implementing international resolution 1701
Sheikh Qassem: Lebanon is a country where sacrifices and blood have been made, and we will discuss any matter related to it in Lebanon; no one think of imposing any diktats on us
Sheikh Qassem: We must beware of the advocates of sedition whose hands are stained with blood and who serve the Israeli project
Sheikh Qassem: We are a fundamental component of Lebanon, so how the resistance is approached must be reconsidered

EU condemns 'Israel' over illegal 'Homesh' settlement order

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 24 May 2023 20:03
  • 3 Shares
6 Min Read

The European Union condemns the Israeli authorities' permission to build 600 housing units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling for revoking the decision.

  • x
  • Israeli occupation blow up a Palestinian house in Qarawat Bani Hassan in the Israeli-occupied West Bank July 26, 2022. (Reuters)
    Israeli occupation blows up a Palestinian house in Qarawat Bani Hassan in the occupied West Bank, July 26, 2022 (Reuters)

The European Union has condemned "Israel" over an order allowing illegal Israeli settlers to establish a permanent presence in the illegal "Homesh" settlement, north of the occupied West Bank.

The European Union said today it was gravely concerned by the decision of the Israeli occupation authorities to allow Israeli settlers to return to the evacuated illegal "Homesh" settlement outpost in the north of the occupied West Bank. The Union further stressed that it was appalled by settler violence against Palestinian civilians at Ein Samiya community near Ramallah, which forced the residents out of the area in fear for their lives and the lives of their children.

In a statement, an EU spokesperson said, “The European Union is gravely concerned by and condemns the decision of the Israeli authorities to allow Israeli citizens to establish permanent presence in the outpost in Homesh in the occupied West Bank. The EU urges the Israeli government to reverse this and its decisions taken on 17 May to advance plans for more than 600 housing units in existing and new settlements in the West Bank."

“Settlements are illegal under international law... Such unilateral actions go against efforts to lower tensions on the ground," he added,

The statement also said the EU “is appalled to learn that the Palestinian community of Ein Samiya in the occupied West Bank, which comprises 172 people, including 78 children, was forced to leave their homes permanently, as a result of repeated settler attacks and demolition orders. The EU firmly condemns settler violence and calls on Israel to ensure accountability.”

It is worth noting that the chief of the Israeli military’s Central Command inked an order, on Thursday, that permits illegal Israeli settlers to invade the "Homesh" illegal settlement near Nablus, paving the way for a formal illegal settlement to be built there, as per Israeli media reports.

The European Union also condemned the Israeli authorities' permission to build 600 housing units in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling for revoking the decision.

In a related context, European Union Representative to Palestine, Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, affirmed that the town of Sebastia is an occupied Palestinian land in its entirety, and the Palestinians have the right to stay in it.

During a visit to the northern West Bank Palestinian town of Sebastia and its ancient archeological site,  he stressed that he visited this archeological site years ago but that after all these years, the situation has become worse due to Israeli measures, affirming that Europe stands with the Palestinians in their strained efforts to preserve this cultural heritage.

He added the Palestinians have the right to remain in this land, despite all Israeli measures.

"Sebastia is Palestinian land, and Israel, according to international law, is obliged not to take any action contrary to the law, noting that any Israeli measures and plans in it are in violation of international law," he tersely stated.

Burgsdorff was among a European delegation of 20 diplomats and peace activists who visited the northern West Bank Palestinian town of Sebastia and its ancient archeological site on Wednesday.

Related News

Israeli Court annuls petition demanding removal of 'Homesh' outpost

IOF soldier wounded by Resistance operation in occupied West Bank

During the visit, the town's mayor Mohammad Azem tackled the crises the town is facing under the brutal Israeli occupation, most notably the archeological site.

Azem said the Israeli occupation forces and settlers' abuses intended to Judaize and occupy the archaeological area, adding that the daily atrocious attacks will exacerbate the misery of the residents.

He recalled having witnessed four settlers' attacks on villagers on Tuesday, including the seizure of equipment and the burning of crops. He advocated for international protection and opposed the occupation's attempts to take and alter the ancient site in violation of international law.

The delegation also visited the neighboring village of Burqa, where they learned of settlers repeatedly attacking locals from other settlement outposts, particularly the "Homesh" outpost.

“We are here to see what is happening, and we demand actions to confront the injustice that is happening on the ground. It is important to document what is happening and deliver the message to the world and the European capitals," Burgsdorff said.

He noted that the attempt to "legitimize" the return of settlers to evacuated settlements is a breach of both Israeli Supreme Court judgments and international law, stressing that any settlement activity, in general, is a violation of international law.

Earlier, the EU issued a statement expressing grave concern and condemning "the decision of the Israeli authorities to allow Israelis to establish a permanent presence in the outpost in Homesh in the occupied West Bank."

The statement also urges "the Israeli government to reverse this and its decisions taken on 17 May to advance plans for more than 600 housing units in existing and new settlements in the West Bank.”

It is worth noting that "Homesh" was created as an Israeli military installation on usurped private Palestinian land in 1978 and given up to Israeli settlers in 1980. It was later evacuated as part of then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's "disengagement plan" in 2005.

Under international law, all Israeli settlements are illegal, and the United Nations Security Council has condemned Israeli settlement activities in the occupied territories in several resolutions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in late February that Israeli-built settlements are "illegal" and they "must stop".

"All settlement activity is illegal under international law. And it must stop," Guterres told the UN members, adding that "at the same time, incitement to violence is a dead end. Nothing justifies terrorism. It must be rejected by all."

Read more: 'Israel' repeals law that sanctioned four West Bank settlements

  • Homesh settlement
  • Settler colonialism
  • Israel
  • Israeli occupation
  • EU
  • settlers violence

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli soldiers drive on their armored personnel carrier back from inside the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP)
Politics

Full occupation of Gaza on the table despite military's opposition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the audience at a conference in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Netanyahu blamed for sabotaging Gaza captives deal, say their families

A mine operated by Serra Verde Mining in Minacu, Goias state, Brazil, Monday, July 28, 2025 (AP)
Politics

China’s mineral export ban disrupts US defense supply chain

ap
Politics

Aid allowed by 'Israel' covers only 14% of Gaza's needs: Media Office

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS